Beth-El Baptist Church

06/11/06

Greg Tomlinson

 

Why is the function of the Local Church to disciple?

Over the last couple of meetings we have been looking at the function of the church. As we looked at the commission of the church in Matthew 28:18-20 there were four distinct functions identified by Jesus. The first was the recognition of Jesus’ authority. The second was to make disciples.

 

1.       What is a disciple?

Matthew 10:24-25

 

In the simplest of terms a disciple is someone who wants to be just like his master.

 

2.       Who should the church work to make disciples of?

Romans 8:29

Philippians 3:8-12

Mark 12:29-31 cmp John 14:9-10

Acts 4:12

Acts 26:22-23

1 Corinthians 11:1

 

For the Christian, the only person worthy of being a disciple of is Jesus. The scriptures are clear that the Christian is being made into the form of the Son of God who is Jesus.

 

3.       Why would I want to be a disciple of Jesus?

John 3:36

Romans 1:16-19

1 Peter 1:3-5

2 Peter 3:6-9

Luke 12:47-48

 

The person that does not do according to the commandments of Jesus is not a disciple of Jesus and has the wrath of God yet to face. They will not receive life, but eternal damnation. Hell, eternal damnation, is the fulfillment of the desire of a person to be disassociated from the presence of God, from Jesus himself.

 

4.       Can you be a Christian without being a disciple of Jesus?

Acts 11:26

Matthew 10:37-39

Matthew 7:21-23

Luke 14:25-27

 

A disciple of Jesus IS a true Christian and a true Christian IS a disciple of Jesus. You cannot truly be a Christian without being a disciple of Jesus. Many people may claim to be a Christian but they have no interest in the things of God. They don’t care about reading or hearing from the Bible. They don’t care about telling others about Jesus. They may even do great things for the local or worldwide church but they have no heart for Jesus.  A Christian is on who does the will of Jesus out of a pure heart. They desire to follow after Jesus.

 

5.       What does a disciple of Jesus do?

Acts 2:44-47 – Met needs of others. Worship with others. Fellowship with others.

Acts 9:26-27 – Proclaimed Jesus

John 5:30 – Do the will of God

John 13:35 – Love one another

Matthew 10:27-28 – Tell others about Jesus, without fear

John 1:41-42 – Lead others to Jesus

John 14:7-12 – Does what Jesus does which is what God does

Luke 11:1 – Pray

Ephesians 1:17-18 – Know Jesus

Philippians 3:8-12 – Knowing Jesus is the most important thing in their life

Romans 5:10 – Know we are reconciled to God

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 – Know you are an ambassador or representative of Jesus

 

This is just a sample of what a disciple of Jesus does.

 

6.       What do I need to do to be a disciple?

Acts 16:30-31

Romans 10:9-10

Luke 14:26-33

Romans 12:1-2

 

Believing or completely, utterly, thoroughly trusting in Jesus is only the beginning. The desire to be like Jesus is to be all consuming so that nothing else really matters. The love and care you have for your family is far inferior to the love and care that you have for Jesus.

 

Summary

Being a Christian is far more than simply believing some facts about who Jesus is. Being a Christian is about being a disciple or learner of Jesus with the goal of being just like him. It is not waiting until the bodily resurrection to become more like Jesus. It is living life so you can become more like Jesus NOW. Being a Christian is about living your life in a Christ like fashion.